Make custom wood dowels with a router

Make limitless piles of dowels from any wood with this easy process!
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Whiteside Router Bits: amzn.to/2WpIOY7
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[@dvdgnzlz25]

Just want to say...I see a lot of woodworking videos from alot of content creators, but I always check with Stumpy Nubs and Jon Peters before I do anything.

[@rocktyson9439]

And here again a great, simple, and safe way to do something on the Stumpy Nubs channel. 2 years old and absolutely relevant. Thank you once again for expanding my brain

[@traillesstravelled7901]

That's why I love wood working, seems like a limitless number of ways to do something!

[@felixreali7101]

agree. there's always a way around it :-)

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Still making "oval" dowels with a draw-knife... There's a work-around for any reason, including the completely illogical... Sometimes we "craftspeople" are allowed to do things JUST to make others "behind us" ask "Why the f*** would anyone do it THAT WAY?!" ...perk of the "job". ;o)

[@coreygrua3271]

Rough language takes away from your message. Please consider others when writing.

[@imanutnur7]

I purchased a Creker High-Speed Steel Dowel Plate with 17 Holes for $69 and thought my days of having crappy dowels days were gone. Recently I saw a KZbin video of making a small finger joint box using a hidden wood hinge. I made several dowels and had to sand all of them but still were crappy. I saw your video and gave it a shot and even though it was red oak and it was very smooth. I had tried to make the dowels before but allowing them to remain square on the ends did the trick. I am an old fart and old age doesn't always make one smart. I Thank you for making this video.

[@steadypaddling]

Clear, simple and brief, well done.

[@joshneill6057]

Wow you are a true Craftsman! My fav on youtube so far! Thank you

[@vincetoscano7018]

That is the best Idea I've seen. May I add one additional comment, it's safer.

[@MrAxeamus]

I have really been wanting to make my own dowels for making wooden nuts and bolts and you sir have the best method I have seen. Thank you.

[@e.dbogan6266]

I like your videos. You try to help the beginner. I appreciate it.

[@annetteolivier721]

That was very interesting to me, I live in a small city, in Zimbabawe, in darkest Africa (we have power outages often) the selection of dowels here is almost non existent so this opens a whole new world to me

[@trahtrebor]

I love the sacrificial square ends. Thanks.

[@justsayin4632]

I don’t care if you call me immature, but there is NO WAY I was the only one who laughed at 3:40😂😂😂

[@roncooper6302]

The square ends is so simple but so clever. I am so annoyed with myself for not thinking of it. Thank you.

[@StraightP1ff]

Agreed, It seems a lot safer as well.

[@Yawles]

Ah ha! I especially appreciate the tip about leaving squares on the ends! Well done, again!

[@josephbalzamo8708]

Absolutely the best way to make dowels, I tried other methods a none of them produced clean smooth dowels like a sharp router bit. This especially worked well for small dowels like 1/4". It also produced clean dowels from purple heart which was giving me nightmares with other methods. Don't skimp on the router bit though, go with the Whiteside bits.

[@The-Real-Ando]

Thanks Stumpy, nice tip, cheers from New Zealand.

[@JoeOfAllTrades100]

I have used a modified version of your technique to round the edges of my stock prior to feeding through a Veritas dowel making jig (ie cutting 3/16 square stock about 1/16th oversize then rounding the corners with a 3/8 round over bit then feeding through the 3/8" dowel jig resulting in very accurate dowels). At the time I wondered if it was practical to just skip the jig and do everything with the round over bit. This video shows it is indeed possible. Thanks for another excellent how-to video!

[@LarryB-inFL]

GREAT suggestion about the square ends!!

[@FLS1986]

I found the answer for my question in your video. Thanks and regards from Brazil

[@kscamara123]

Excellent, especially the tip about leaving both ends of the dowel square to prevent rolling!

[@ILMsurf]

I immediately tried this after watching the video. After a quick setup, I was able to get perfectly round dowels. I needed half inch walnut dowels, and mine measured .504" which provided a nice snug fit for joinery! This is a game changer!

[@jackphillips4304]

Simple but a great idea. I need to make some dowels, this will help, thanks.

[@brianbazajou9571]

BRILLIANT!!!! That looks like even I can do it. Thanks Stumpy

[@adventureshortsx5587]

What a great tip. I thought I was almost done with my project but now I might give this a shot to give my project a little something extra. What is the formula used to determine the size bit you need for the desired dowel? If you want to cut a 1" dowel, do you use a half inch bit? Also, I appreciate the cadence and tone of your voice in your videos. It makes it easy to follow along and the lesson non-intimidating or condescending.

[@zarachyah9965]

Exactly what I needed! Thank you!

[@jamescallen36]

Tip for setting the fence on the router table. At least on my Kreg Router Table, one can lock one end of the fence and pivot the fence on that locked end. Simply set the fence by using a straight edge to push the fence back until the straight edge contacts the guide bearing on the bit. Lock the other end and the fence is perfectly in line with the bit.

[@jackthompson8019]

Great suggestion on making your own dowels.

[@emm_arr]

This is why I watch your vids: I think your dowel technique tells me what I need to do to recreate a few missing oak strips to discreetly fix my desk divider situation. Thank you!

[@micschemelin663]

Thanks for this very thorough video. Leaving the ends square adds a level of precision and SAFETY to the process. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@kencoop12]

Always enjoy your video's. Perfect dowels and clever, easy solution. Absolutely love the router bit wall idea!!!

[@davidjanis1997]

Thanks, I always enjoy your short tips videos. Very informative. Regards, Dave Janis

[@rodjacksn]

Yet another excellent interesting vid! Thank you stumpy 😊 !!!

[@danasmith8950]

I don't know what I expected when I clicked on this video - - but I didn't expect a router to be involved. My bag of tricks just increased.

[@BobMuir100]

Beautiful! Wonderful! Exceptional! Now I will never make my own dowels but what you just showed us will enable folk in an amazing way, I mean the way to stop a dowel spinning as you make it is a total winner!! Stumpy, I love what you do! Kindest Bob England

[@jimpalmer1944]

Another great class at Stumpy School. Keep it up.

[@rsc4peace971]

As always a very simple yet extremely useful tip and method to make woodworking project safe, simple, and well in this case "perfect dowels". I have had one too many failures to make a clean perfectly round dowel using the router method and gave up making them for both Safety and Quality. Leaving a bit of the square on both ends was the clincher and the finger saver. Now I am very encouraged to try this for my next project

[@andyc1955]

Thank you!

[@billymarkwell1105]

Downloading the whiteside router bit catalog will help to understand the way to measure a bit.....

[@robertschulke1596]

Dowel plates are easy to make. A trick to compress the dowel, just like a joiner biscuit, is to run the dowel through the plate backwards. The tapered hole will compress the wood, then when glue hits it, it will expand, locking the joint tight. Be sure to use very dry wood for any dowels being used in glue-ups. A food dehydrator can treat small ones overnight.

[@Mike.DeNinno]

Thanks, this is great. Don't know why I had never seen videos on making your own dowels before (non-lathe). This method is something I will try out soon.

[@doughull9287]

This is Amazing! I never would have thought of this!

[@AJ-ln4sm]

I always appreciate your tips Thanks!

[@ccadama]

@Stumpy Nubs . Thanks James for the tips on making my own dowels. Nice to know I'm not at the mercy of the home centers or lumber yards when it comes to dowel sizes I may need. And gives me a reason when the time comes for getting that router table. Hope you, your staff, and your families stay safe and well.

[@mfcosi]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@markrongers7951]

Thank you for another informative video! I love learning from you and appreciate the Hands-On knowledge! Keep up the great work and the great content!

[@wrstew1272]

White side good bits !

[@birdman858]

Very nice! Thanks Stumpy...

[@MCsCreations]

That's a fantastic tip, dude! Thanks a lot! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks James, we appreciate the information you share with us. Great job !! 👍👍👏🏻👏🏻

[@MrBez007]

Great tip

[@TeamProsperity]

Great idea I was tryna figure out a jig but this method is perfect but I’m thinking how that’d work with 1/4” 😮

[@colemine7008]

I need to give this a try

[@J.A.Smith2397]

"YOU can't sew on what therouter bit takes off" lol least bandsaws n table saws ya get that option thinking about it. Once again love how You always find that extra bit of info that makes ya! Would love to see some more old timey workshop#

[@georgeprout42]

Yeah that statement hit me in the feels. So true, and touch wood, the only damage my router ever did to me was the very tip that did grow back. Sometimes it takes that close call to realise what could have happened and make you make damned sure that it doesn't happen again.

[@chriscarter7182]

Somewhere, down in the chip pile of my jointer, you will find the tip of my right, middle finger!🤯☠️👹 DON’T get lazy! Pay attention to what you’re doing!! I don’t want to go into all the details right now, just know that safety REALLY matters! There are better ways to occupy your time than in the ER!!

[@robinritchey5905]

I’m just starting, I wish I had a router table. Thank you for the video, something to keep in mind for later use.

[@bassrun101]

Garry not Linda. Go to Izzy Swan's channel. Look for making dowels or easy dowel maker in his older stuff. All you need is a drill and some common shop tools.

[@StumpyNubs]

You assume he only wants a router table to make dowels. There are LOADS of reasons to own a router table. And while the method Izzy shows works, it is far less precise and requires a lot more sanding. Plus, you still need a router, just not a table.

[@robinritchey5905]

@@bassrun101 Thank you.

[@robinritchey5905]

@@StumpyNubs Thank you for the video. I have a trim router and use it a bit. I just got the fence attachment for it and I like using it . I needed to make a slot in some arms I was making and doing it freehand wasn’t working.

[@johnoerter2883]

Very cool!

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Thanks for sharing that, well said!

[@rbwoodwork1890]

👍 Great tip! Might suggest a small clamp on fence next to the stock and a long narrow push handle. The add on fence will hold the material against the main fence while pushing it through the router bit. You can still start and stop leaving the square ends even add a stop if wanted. Just a thought.

[@mykidsdad9]

Love the storage solution! Still in a cabinet? Assuming a door but a nice way to keep bit safe after one is removed from cabinet with the little base.

[@StumpyNubs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIWclWh_Zrp5oq8

[@aarondsalberg]

Very helpful! Thank you.

[@PhilHattonMakesStuff]

Excellent!

[@tjscliving33]

Great tip, really all your tips are great.. I find your channel to be one of best for me.

[@gordroberts53]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing !

[@tylerkrug7719]

That is a great method!

[@tomtimmons2228]

Great tutorial. Thanks 😊

[@davidmcgrath6507]

Very helpful

[@garykorzelius5930]

Awesome as always! Thank you.

[@oldman1200]

Really like this one !!

[@asbrand]

Good timing. I have a project that I need 1" dowels for. Thanks!

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

Thanks

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks...good advice

[@michebre]

Great thanks.

[@j.m.castilla7150]

Great job, thanks for your videos

[@presto6841]

Thanks. Nice info.

[@Tattysnuc]

Cheers for sharing your tips. Cant wait to try them out on my new router table :)

[@lyster1ne681]

Dowel plate baby! Just kidding, this is actually very helpful. I’ve never needed a long dowel with an accurate diameter the whole way, usually just at the ends. I’ll keep this in mind for the future!

[@lighthammerforge]

Great video! In addition to my work in my blacksmith shop (per the name, find us on facebook) my dad and I have a full wood shop, I had just made a few playing card deck holders out there for a few friends with small dowels as the posts holding the cards in place. This sure would've made the whole affair easier! Will keep in mind for the next ones!

[@glennfelpel9785]

Very cool video indeed thank you

[@wolfman75]

Great!!!! Thank You!!!! 👍😎

[@peterohmart5954]

Very cool suggestion!

[@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696]

What exactly was going on at 3:42? That camera angle was questionable but LOL funny!

[@lilBugger35]

lol

[@mansardmanor3869]

Nice video Ever thought on small spindle to twist with drill & passing router for symmetry

[@SteveC38]

Great Tips👍

[@bobwiese6128]

WoW. TY!

[@jaymelou1106]

THANK YOU my dowels always have gouges

[@scottmaris6516]

Good one Jim. That technique wasn’t on my radar screen

[@thomassiebenburgen6464]

super tip, thanks

[@lilBugger35]

3:42 is the funniest thing I've ever seen today.

[@maplobats]

I didn't even think of that, but now that I read your comment, I can't unsee it. :-P

[@archiebf4524]

I'm glad someone else saw it

[@boatdetective]

Yet another practical and well thought out video. Your consistently excellent instruction is inspirational. ...but it incites me to buy more tools:)

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@garynagle3093]

Great useful video

[@georgelewisray]

VERY Nice !

[@philippeterson9512]

Years ago I was asked to make a martial arts staff at a particular diameter. It wasn’t a diameter you could get in a router bit. What I did was I used a 45° angle bit and then a 22 1/2° angle bit. You have to get the set up just right, but go from a four sided blank that is as wide as the diameter you want, then turn it into an eight sided blank with a 45° bit, and then turn it into a 16 sided shape with the 22 1/2° bit. Then some 60 grit sandpaper took down the edges and it felt perfectly smooth a d round to my hands.

[@jrholand]

great tip!

[@rosario5972]

This is a good alternate way to make dowels. I'll have to check what the biggest bit is I have and try it. Would I be able to make tapered dowels? I've seen several versions of table saw doweling jig and have thought about going that route.

[@stevegodfrey6063]

I saw a lot of videos on how to do this, and almost all of them had fingers pushing through - even on very small dowels - which made my stomach turn just to watch, and then that last pass wobbling around and rotating, I just thought yep, I'm losing my fingers if I try that... and hence, even though I would use a push block, I had never tried using a round over bit for dowels... until now! leaving the ends square seems so obvious once you've seen it...

[@מעייןהמלבלבתחייםםםם]

Thanks, interesting!!

[@nicholasmanovich4330]

God I'm glad I just watched this....don't know why I didn't check here first.....this last jig I just tried was an accident waiting to happen....I also don't know why I forgot this....I used this method a couple years ago

[@geoffbrumpton8544]

Good dowels only come from the good wood. “Grain” choose carefully.

[@BenjaminGoose]

"Grain"?

[@geoffbrumpton8544]

Gday @@BenjaminGoose wood “Grain” is what was meant by that. Things like the direction it runs, how straight it is, how tight of grain is has, knots, does that make it clearer?

[@Matt-hw5tt]

Typo in your title, there. "A better way to make dowels your own dowels." Thanks for the tips.

[@rkranjit]

Very interesting! Thank you. I might have missed this. But what size of bit should I use? I am trying to make 3/8 inch dowel